The central government has announced an inquiry into actor and producer Vishal's allegation that the officials of the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC) took a bribe from him for giving a certificate to the Hindi version of his latest film 'Mark Antony'. An official from the Union Ministry of Broadcasting has reached the censor board office in Mumbai to conduct an inquiry.

Reacting to Vishal's allegation, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that the incident was unfortunate. "The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by actor @VishalKOfficial is extremely unfortunate. The Government has zero tolerance for corruption and the strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved. A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry today itself (sic)," the ministry said in a statement.

Vishal raised the allegation against the censor board through the social media platform X. Vishal said that he had to pay a bribe of Rs 6.5 lakhs for the release of his latest film. He also revealed the name and details of two censor board officials who took bribes from him. He said that he had transferred Rs 3 lakhs to the bank account of the official named M Rajan and Rs 3.5 lakhs to the account of Jeeja Ramadas.

'Corruption being shown on the silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can't digest it. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for certificate. Never faced this situation ever in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since the movie released today. Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji. Doing this is not for me but for future producers. NOT HAPPENING. My hard-earned money gone for corruption ??? No way. Evidence down for all to hear. Hope truth prevails as always,' Vishal wrote on X.